Pubdate: Tue, 29 Jan 2008 Source: Paper of Montgomery County, The (IN) Copyright: 2008 The Paper of Montgomery County Contact: http://www.thepaper24-7.com/formlayout.asp?formcall=1 Website: http://www.thepaper24-7.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4686 Author: Jennifer Shook HALLUCINOGENIC HERB DANGEROUS BUT LEGAL Salvia divornorum also known as Shepherdess' Herb and Ska Pastora, is a psychoactive hallucinogen as potent as LSD. The plant, a relative of a common landscape flower, contains a substance called Salvinorin-A which is considered to be the most potent hallucinogen available when smoked. Salvia, in a liquid form, can be ingested or in powder form, smoked. It produces an almost immediate, short-term reaction. Depending on the dosage, a user's response can be just a subtle, off-kilter reaction to a full-blown psychedelic experience. Typically, the hallucinatory experience lasts several minutes but can last up to an hour. During this time, users are mentally and physically impaired and demonstrate poor judgment, slowed reflexes, and dissociation. So far, readers may think they are learning about a new, illegal drug spreading across the country. Part of that it true - it is relatively new in terms of wide-spread use and is growing in all parts of the country. What readers may be surprised to learn is that it is totally legal to purchase and consume in all but four states - including Indiana! Not only is Salvia legal to purchase in this state, it has been available in Crawfordsville until recently. Stores which carry herbal products and supplies often stock Salvia which has historical use in Mazatec traditional spiritual practices. Four states have made Salvia illegal; Delaware, Louisiana, Missouri, and Illinois (as of January 1, 2008), and possession of it in one of them is considered a felony just like possession of heroin or cocaine. - --- MAP posted-by: Jo-D